Nigeria’s dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup has hit a bump in the road. The Super Eagles will have to face South Africa without their star striker Victor Osimhen, who is injured. For fans of Nigerian soccer, this is tough news, because Victor Osimhen isn’t just any player — he’s one of the best forwards in the world and was even named the 2023 African Player of the Year.
The 25-year-old striker, who recently moved to Galatasaray after a great spell with Napoli in Italy, got hurt in Nigeria’s last game against Rwanda. The Super Eagles won that match 1–0, but in the 35th minute, Victor Osimhen went down after a strong challenge from Rwanda’s Claude Niyomugabo. He couldn’t continue and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, who now plays for Panathinaikos in Greece.
At first, Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, didn’t know how serious the injury was. Fans hoped Victor Osimhen might recover in time, but the national team’s medical staff later confirmed the bad news: “Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his shin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game.”
That statement hit hard. Nigeria will now have to look to other attackers like Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon to score the goals they desperately need.
Why Osimhen Matters So Much
Victor Osimhen is not just any striker. Last season, he scored 31 goals across all competitions for Napoli, helping them win their first Serie A title in over 30 years. Nigerian fans see him as the player who can take the Super Eagles back to the World Cup after they missed out on Qatar 2022.
Did you know? ⚽
In 2015, Victor Osimhen won the Golden Boot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring 10 goals for Nigeria.
He is also the first African to win Serie A top scorer since George Weah.
Many clubs in England, including Chelsea and Manchester United, have shown interest in him.
That’s why his absence against South Africa is a huge blow.
Nigeria’s Situation in Group C
Right now, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 10 points from seven games. That puts them behind Benin Republic and South Africa. Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This means Nigeria cannot afford to drop points. A draw might not be enough, and a loss would almost certainly end their hopes. For context:
Benin has been in strong form recently, surprising many fans.
South Africa, coached by the experienced Hugo Broos, is always tough at home.
The Super Eagles remember all too well what happened in 2022, when they failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Ghana in the playoffs. That disappointment is still fresh in the minds of Nigerian fans.
South Africa vs Nigeria: A Rivalry With History
Matches between South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are always intense. Nigeria has historically had the upper hand, but South Africa has improved a lot in recent years.
Soccer fact: Nigeria beat South Africa in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, with Samuel Chukwueze scoring the winning goal. However, South Africa knocked Nigeria out of World Cup qualifying back in 2000, proving they can cause upsets.
This time, the stakes are even higher. The game will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, a stadium known for its passionate home fans.
Who Can Step Up Without Victor Osimhen?
Nigeria has other talented attackers, but the big question is: Who will score the goals?
Cyriel Dessers – The Panathinaikos striker has been in good form in Greece and will likely start up front.
Tolu Arokodare – A younger striker who could be given a chance to shine.
Ademola Lookman – Plays for Atalanta in Italy and recently scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final. He is creative and dangerous in attack.
Samuel Chukwueze – The AC Milan winger has pace and can break defenses.
Moses Simon – A consistent performer who always works hard on the wings.
If these players can click together, Nigeria still has a strong chance. But replacing Victor Osimhen’s goals and leadership is not easy.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams
For Nigeria, qualifying for the World Cup is more than just soccer. The Super Eagles are one of Africa’s most famous teams, having played in six World Cups since 1994. Their best results were reaching the Round of 16 three times. Fans want to see them back on the world stage, especially after the disappointment of missing Qatar 2022.
Did you know? 🌍
Nigeria was the first African team to top their group at a World Cup (1994).
Legendary players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Sunday Oliseh all made their names at the World Cup.
The Super Eagles’ green and white jersey is one of the most popular in world football, even outside Africa.
Missing another World Cup would be a disaster for Nigerian soccer, both emotionally and financially.
South Africa’s Confidence
While Nigeria is under pressure, South Africa is confident. They currently sit second in Group C and know a win at home would put them in pole position to qualify. Coach Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to win AFCON 2017, has built a team that is organized and tough to beat.
Some key South African players to watch:
Percy Tau – The forward plays for Al Ahly in Egypt and is a constant threat.
Ronwen Williams – The goalkeeper has been in excellent form, especially at AFCON 2023.
Evidence Makgopa – A rising striker who could trouble Nigeria’s defense.
- Victor Osimhen
Combo Watch: Other News in African Soccer
While Nigeria prepares for South Africa, other big stories are happening in African soccer:
Mohamed Salah is still dominating for Egypt, recently scoring twice in their qualifier.
Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, are also fighting for a World Cup spot.
Morocco, Africa’s best team at the 2022 World Cup (semifinalists), are looking strong again.
For Nigerian fans, seeing other African giants perform well only increases the pressure.
Victor Osimhen
Final Thoughts
The stage is set: Nigeria vs South Africa, Tuesday night, Free State Stadium. With only a few matches left, the Super Eagles must win if they want to keep their World Cup dream alive.
But without Victor Osimhen, the challenge just got harder. Will Cyriel Dessers step up? Can Lookman or Chukwueze deliver a moment of magic? Or will South Africa’s Bafana Bafana take control and edge closer to qualifying?
One thing is certain — this is more than just a soccer match. It’s a fight for pride, history, and a ticket to the biggest sporting event in the world.
Nigeria knows what’s at stake. Fans remember the heartbreak of missing Qatar 2022. Now, with pressure mounting, the Super Eagles must rise to the occasion — even without their biggest star.